As I was switching lanes on my journey home from Minnesota on a blistering 100° Fourth of July, I veered off of the interstate in southern Wisconsin. Needing to stretch out my legs a bit, I did what any insane person would do; I visited a garden of wandering acreage - at high noon!
With water bottle in hand, sunglasses perched upon my beak, and a cap with a bill covering my head, I rolled my independent demeanor out of my mocha colored VW with its latte interior with all the grace of a fledgeling leaving the nest for the very first time. I waddled into the welcome center of the Rotary Gardens in Janesville and sighed with relief at the coolness within.
Camera in hand, I set my goal to a short walk of no more than 30 minutes, including a biology break (aka the restroom), and enjoyed the beauty that abounds in this wonderful garden. My Tom is a Rotarian and we have visited these gardens a few times on our northern travels. I’ve also been to the Rotary Gardens with friends as it is but a two hour drive from the suburbs of Chicago. As I slowly walked, taking a few pictures, I thought of Andra, world-travelled and Southern bred Rotarian extraordinaire. These are for you, Andra, and for all of our readers and friends.
The Reception Garden was being set up for a wedding later in the day. I’m sure the bride and groom never imagined such extreme temperatures when they made their plans for a July 4 wedding. Still, it is a beautiful setting.
There are gardens throughout with plantings reflective of the many countries and cultures represented in Rotary International, with peaceful spots to sit and rest and enjoy the beauty that abounds.
The Rotary Gardens have used these wooden pillars in the past, changing the colors to fit the palette of the plants.
